UoN set to launch Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy, Ida Odinga reveals

Nairobi, Kenya - The first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's death will be observed through a variety of national commemorative events, including the launch of a democracy centre at the University of Nairobi and the establishment of a regional leadership academy in his honor. Mama Ida Odinga revealed that the Kenya School of Government had created the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, which is meant to serve as a hub for education in governance, public sector leadership, and public administration.

"The Kenya School of Government has established the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, designated as a center of excellence to promote diligent governance practices, public sector leadership, and public administration studies," she explained. The University of Nairobi is also planning to launch the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy, which is anticipated to be formally inaugurated during the commemorative events.

Mrs. Odinga expressed her appreciation for the academic and diplomatic recognitions being extended to honor her late husband. "In this spirit of institutional collaboration, we are deeply grateful for the diplomatic and academic honors being bestowed in his memory across national institutions," she stated during a press conference.

The family has set up a national steering committee, led by Professor Adams Oloo, to coordinate the commemorative activities. The committee, which includes representatives from government, political organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector, and the Odinga family, will oversee all commemorative events and initiatives.

Otiende Amollo, a member of parliament for Rarieda, is also part of the committee. Mrs. Odinga emphasized that the celebrations will be a national event, not limited to the committee or Odinga's political supporters. "These celebrations do not belong to the committee; they belong to the people. Baba’s people are all welcome," she affirmed.

The events aim to offer Kenyans who were unable to mourn Odinga in their preferred ways a chance to unite, remember his life, and share their experiences. "We know that many Kenyans did not have the opportunity to mourn him in the way they wished," she noted. Mrs. Odinga described Odinga's legacy as extending beyond political affiliations, highlighting the first anniversary as a chance to reflect on his impact on the country.

"As we approach the first anniversary of his passing, we recognize that his legacy belongs to every Kenyan who believes in democracy, justice, and peace," she emphasized. She added that Kenyans with differing political views could still share common aspirations for a better nation. The family has also welcomed initiatives by universities and other institutions to honor Odinga, with Daystar University reportedly beginning preparations for a symposium in his memory.

The commemorative program is expected to bring together Kenyans from across the country, with Mrs. Odinga stating that the occasion should reflect the nationwide reach of Odinga's political and public life. "Reflecting this broad national spirit, the committee brings together representatives from government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, and our family," she explained.

"But this celebration does not belong to the Committee. It belongs to the people from Wote to Mombasa. From Turkana to Kajiado, from Busia to Garissa, from Nairobi to Meru, and everywhere else in between." She added that the week would be an opportunity for Kenyans to "come together, to participate, to sing, to remember, to tell stories, and celebrate the extraordinary life shared with Baba Raila Amolo Odinga."